(1)   Role assignment among implementing bodies

Satochi-satoyama have been created and maintained by local communities including farmers, foresters and village people. They are, therefore, an artifact of the natural and social conditions, history and culture of each locality. Therefore, the fundamentals of Satochi-satoyama conservation and sustainable use are voluntary efforts by local communities.

However, Satochi-satoyama management solely by local sectors has been difficult while benefits of the natural resources extend over a wider area of the locality because of the diverse values and functions of Satochi-satoyama.

The conservation and sustainable use of Satochi-satoyama therefore requires support from a broader range of the public or from the entire country. For this purpose, the national government itself needs to conduct initiatives in collaboration with related ministries and agencies, which stimulate regional efforts and then develop these into a nationwide movement.

A role needs to be played by the national and regional governments, enterprises, farmers and foresters, local communities, citizens or NPOs, experts and researchers.

(2)   Promotion of collaboration and cooperation among participating entities

While it is becoming difficult to manage Satochi-satoyama solely with traditional workforces, such as local farmers, foresters and village communities, this is required for ensuring sustainable labor and financial resources in order to continue the maintenance and management of Satochi-satoyama. Therefore, it becomes important to promote activities with collaboration and cooperation among diverse entities, from urban residents, NPOs, enterprises, universities, and other new partners, to administrative bodies.

To this end, it is required to develop a platform at the local scale of Satochi-satoyama area for stakeholders to work together on establishing councils, form agreements, and so on. While making the best use of existing systems and frameworks, rules and coordinating organizations will be developed as the basis for collaborative activities, in accordance with socio-ecological characteristics of the locality. When considering the efforts of Satochi-satoyama conservation and sustainable use as larger-scale collaborative work beyond the locality, it is also important to gain support from enterprises and each Japanese citizen.

Thus, we will promote development and take advantage of the use of organizations, funding and other frameworks to gain volunteers and financial support from a wide range of enterprises and the Japanese citizens.

(3)   Actions in accordance with regional characteristics

Because Satochi-satoyama areas vary in its socio-ecological conditions for different regions, it is necessary to pay attention to determining a strategy of conservation and sustainable use depending upon the conditions of a given region.

For conservation and sustainable use near urban areas, it is effective to promote collaboration with entities outside of the Satochi-satoyama community. New partners can be found outside of the community, such as NPOs, enterprises and schools, who wish to engage in volunteer work and environmental learning and experience.

In semi-mountainous regions, local farmers and foresters are the main implementing bodies. The stability of their conservation activities may be assured by focusing on local business activities using ecotourism and local products, and on other activities that are linked to the development of the region.

In coastal regions, Satochi-satoyama areas and the ocean are proximate. Considering the regional continuity and integrity of the two areas, cooperation between the two communities on conservation and sustainable use will be effective.

For these types of Satochi-satoyama activities, the national government will implement conservation and sustainable use of typical Satochi-satoyama areas that are selected for each of the ecologically and socially distinctive regions. Building on leading efforts at the scale of a selected area, the conservation practice and sustainable use of Satochi-satoyama will be promoted throughout the region.

Satochi-satoyama areas in semi-mountainous regions contain forests near mountainous areas. In addition, because of declining populations and aging, human resources in the communities are becoming limited. Therefore, while some woodland areas should be managed partly as secondary or artificial forests, others will be properly managed depending on local socio-ecological conditions. For other woodland areas located close to mountainous areas that are normally transformed into natural forest without human care, the basic approach will be to leave them for natural succession. In these cases, vegetation restoration may be carried out where necessary.

(4) Reflection of biodiversity perspectives on Satochi-satoyama conservation and sustainable use

Activities of Satochi-satoyama conservation and sustainable use may be implemented by diverse entities and for various purposes, reflecting the multi-dimensional values of Satochi-satoyama. These activities should also be effective in terms of conservation of biodiversity. For this purpose, it is important to create an inventory of basic ecological information, including distribution of wildlife species that depend on the habitats of Satochi-satoyama. Drawing on such basic information, the conservation and sustainable use efforts should be prioritized according to areas of high importance for the conservation of biodiversity. It is also vital to apply adaptive management, in which we can flexibly revise actions and expected outcomes in light of new data obtained from continuous monitoring. To ensure understanding of the biological information, setting proper goals, and implementing management that translates the ecological responses, we will promote participation by experts who have knowledge in the field of biodiversity.